The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard is a gripping tale set in an Ice Age world. It follows the journey of Nin, a young girl marked by mysterious patterns, who grows up to be a fierce warrior dedicated to saving her people. At a young age, Nin rescued a shadow cub that bore the same markings as her, and from this kind act, a strong bond of kinship was formed. After witnessing the destruction of her village at the hands of Gore and his men, Nin escapes into the wilderness, determined to survive while uncovering the meaning of her prophetic markings. She faces enslavement, tactfully defeats renowned hunters, and battles in an arena. With the help of her bond with the shadow cub, who evolves into a powerful Dagger Mouth Demon, she confronts various foes, forges alliances, and gains valuable skills through each trial she encounters. Join Nin on her adventurous journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and survival.

The Borealis Queen is an inspiring tale about courage, bravery, and embracing one's destiny. Nin, a simple girl from the Borealis tribe, has her life turned upside down in an instant. Her character development is remarkable, filled with valuable life lessons that encourage readers to be bold and persistent. Her strategic mind and emotional resilience are key factors that enable her to survive dire situations and form connections with others throughout her journey. The story incorporates elements of mythology, history, and fantasy, making it highly engaging. Henry Guard masterfully describes the cold atmosphere and treacherous landscape that Nin must navigate. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against oppression. It also highlights the power of kindness, contrasting it with the darkness found in greed and cruelty. Overall, this is an excellent read featuring a strong female character and a powerful message about personal growth and resilience. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic tales of adventure and self-discovery.

The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard takes place during the Ice Age and tells the story of a young huntress who rises to power through determination, skill, and a rare connection with prehistoric animals. She tames wild predators, earns the respect of warriors, and breaks traditions to become a legend among her people. Guard’s writing is cinematic, making the ancient world come alive with all its dangers and beauty. This is an action-packed coming-of-age story filled with epic battles, strong friendships, and a fierce heroine who refuses to be held back. Anyone who loves prehistoric settings and strong female leads will find this book impossible to put down. The details of Ice Age life—from how tools and weapons were made to the way early human communities worked—are woven into the story in a way that is natural while keeping the pace exciting.

Henry Guard does an amazing job of creating a main character whose journey from outsider to leader is real and earned, not just handed to her. The book has the perfect mix of action and deeper moments, making it thrilling but also personal as we watch her grow. I was completely drawn in by the way Guard describes the Ice Age world—it’s so vivid that you can almost feel the cold air and hear the crackling of fire at night. The heroine’s bond with prehistoric creatures adds an emotional depth that makes this more than just an adventure story. Some of the best moments are the quiet ones, where characters sit by the fire, sharing their fears and dreams under the stars. These scenes make the dangers they face even more intense because you care about them. Overall, The Borealis Queen is a fresh and exciting take on coming-of-age stories and prehistoric fiction and I'd recommend it to readers who love strong characters and immersive historical settings.

The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard is an Ice Age adventure that pits savage neolithic tribes against each other, the harsh and unforgiving climate, and massive prehistoric creatures determined to rip them to shreds. Nin was a young girl having a special talent and affinity for wild creatures. Protected by a Shadow Monster that she had once rescued, she was destined to become a legendary leader of men. Urki, Nin’s childhood playmate, grew to become the legendary warrior, Urgala, of the Matu tribe, a people determined to rule over all in this prehistoric landscape. Urki’s prowess as a warrior saw him constantly struggling between his loyalty to his people and their leader and his ceaseless love for the girl of his childhood. The ice-covered tundra is about to explode with violence and hatred that will determine the future direction of this frigid world. 

The Borealis Queen will appeal to lovers of Jean M. Auel’s work, as human beings struggle to cope with not only the barren and harsh Ice Age conditions but also the hidden dangers in those prehistoric forests, be they human or animal. Author Henry Guard has created a unique world of warring tribes in need of a champion, who comes in the unlikely guise of Nin, the Borealis Queen. The writing style is fast-paced and tense, which highlights the extreme challenges and dangers participants in this world experience daily. The fight scenes, either between men or between men and animals, are graphic and exciting. I particularly appreciated the time and effort the author spent in building a realistic world, its inhabitants, and especially its fearsome creatures of destruction. That he took the time to create sub-plots and arcs, merely to illustrate to readers both the motivations and backgrounds of the principal characters, was indicative of a world from which more than one adventure will arise. This appears to be confirmed by the end of this book when the author signals that the story is far from over. I am looking forward to the next iteration of this icy world. This was an excellent read that I highly recommend.